Looking for Ivy League Schools related to animation? Whether your student is interested in digital arts, web design, animation or another related field, our guide will help them find the best colleges. Get more information regarding Ivy League Schools With Animation, best public film schools, best film schools for directing, best film schools in the world 2019, wesleyan film school ranking & hollywood reporter top film school
Are you an international student? Are you passionate about fulfilling your life-long dream of studying abroad? Do you feel like you might not be getting accurate information about Ivy League Schools With Animation? Animators create new worlds from nothing but their imaginations in 2D or 3D. And that animation propels more than the film and television industries. From stop motion movies to civil engineering and design, animators are needed more and more in this ever-expanding digital age. These 10 colleges prepare aspiring animators for the real world with cutting-edge programs, technology available for projects and practice, professional opportunities and alumni networks that connect students to opportunities beyond graduation. Whether you want to work on Pixar’s next blockbuster or create the blueprints for the world’s tallest skyscraper, these schools will prepare you to animate almost anything.
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best public film schools
Do you aspire to be a part of the best film schools in the world? Do you want to experience student life as shown in the High School Musical? If yes, then you have come to the right place. Film Schools are dedicated academic institutions which are specially designed to incubate, identify, develop and translate talent within students pertaining to various aspects of film studies.
All Film Schools follow their own academic and training curriculum, having their own niche as per the Film and TV industry of their country. Although, all of them focus on the overall skill development of students, in whichever career they choose. Some may have a standard program, while others may offer vocational courses and degrees at various academic levels. However, the Best Film Schools in the world have more than just academic degrees to offer.
From practical skill training to practice their knowledge to curate engaging films under the supervision of some of the best Directors in the world, film schools aim to impart learners with the technical intricacies of film making as well as a practical understanding of visual storytelling.
Here are some of the Best Film Schools in the world:
- University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts
- American Film Institute
- National Film and Television School
- La Femis
- Beijing Film Academy
- Lodz Film School
- Tisch School of the Arts, New York University
- Australian Film, Television and Radio School
- California Institute of the Arts
- London Film School
- Kanbar Institute of Film & Television
- University of Texas at Austin’s Moody College of Communication
- New York Film Academy
- Toronto Film School
- Vancouver Film School
- University of British Columbia’s Department of Theatre and Film
- National Film and Television School
- Academy of Performing Arts’ Film and TV School
- National Film School
- Screen Academy Scotland
- Film and Television Institute of India
- Australian Film, Television and Radio School
- Sydney Film School
- Korean Academy of Film Arts
- Whistling Woods International Film school
USC School of Cinematic Arts
Affiliated with the celebrated University of Southern California, USC School of Cinematic Arts is a premier film school located in the heart of Hollywood. It is the oldest and most prestigious film school in the United States and offers various degree filmmaking courses such as,
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Writing for Screen and Television
- BA in Cinema and Media
- PhD in Cinema and Media Studies
- BA in Animation
- MA in Animation and Digital Arts
- The John H. Mitchell Business of Cinematic Arts Program
Tuition Fees: $42,000
Their Alumni have been constantly nominated for Emmy and Academy awards over the years, winning a number of awards and accolades. Not just critically acclaimed, 17 top-grossing movies of all time have an SCA alumni among their creative or executive positions.
Also Read: Animation Course after 12th
American Film Institute
American Film Institute aims to train young and budding filmmakers in various aspects of filmmaking, while also educating them about the rich past of Hollywood. AFI is specifically known for its Conservatory, which is a graduate-level film school headed by notable filmmakers who provide hands-on experience and training to students. It also features a notable Film School, specially designed to teach Filmmaking concepts exclusively to women. Alumni from AFI have been recognised with various awards throughout their career, be it Academy, Guild or Emmy awards. It is also one of the best film schools in the world and offers specialized Master of Fine Arts courses in six major specializations, i.e. Editing, Production, Cinematography, Direction, Screenwriting and Production Design.
Tuition Fees $38,416 for first year
Must Read: Creative Writing Courses
National Film and Television School
NFTS is a Film, TV and gaming school established in the UK in 1971. Affiliated by CILCET, this school offers a number of academic programs to its students. These courses include Bachelors and Masters degrees, as well as Vocational programs and certificate courses. There are more than 20 full-time MA specialisations a student can choose between, like film direction, film editing courses, amongst others as per their career orientation. Here are some of the prominent courses offered by NFTS:
- MA in Cinematography
- MA in Directing Science and Natural History
- MA in Directing Documentary
- Diploma in Directing Commercials
- Diploma in Sports Production
- Diploma in Script Development
- Certificate in Screenwriting
- Certificate in Filmmaking
- Certificate in Character Animation
Tuition Fees $14,300 for residents; $32,000 for overseas
The student films made by members of NFTS have been nominated for Oscar awards thrice within the last few years. The school has also had technological upgrades in the past few years, adding a 4k theatre to its fold. Alumni from this Film School are especially known for their contributions in Directing, Editing and Production.
Also Read: Digital Filmmaking Courses
La Femis
La Femis was founded in 1943 as IDHEC, before being restructured and renamed to its present name. It is a celebrated film school in Paris, known for its professional approach in integrating professional growth, technical training and artistic expression, leading to all-round growth of students. All students are inducted into the courses with a common curriculum for the first year, teaching them the basics of filmmaking and fine arts. The second and third year are designed as per student’s choice of departments, teaching them the nuances of the subject while applying it in practical training at the same time The fourth year is where students indulge in independent projects, learning how to work with a team to create their own work. This unique curriculum makes it stand apart among the best Film Schools in the world. There are numerous celebrities in the French film and TV industry who are alumni of La Femis. Here are some of the popular filmmaking courses offered by La Femis:
- Initial Training courses like Distribution/Cinema Management course, TV Series Development course, SACRe PhD programme (PSL), etc.
- Workshops in Documentary Filmmaking, Production, Theatrical Film Exhibition, etc.
Tuition Fees $517 for French citizens; $15,334 for foreigners
Check Out: Scenography Courses, Universities & Career Scope
Beijing Film Academy
Established in 1950, Beijing Film Academy is the most prominent Film School in China, and one of the best Film Schools in the World. Comprising 9 schools which provide courses divided into 8 departments, it is one of the most diverse academies in terms of education and training. It offers courses at high school, undergraduate and graduate level as well as vocational and associate certificates in some of these areas:
- Sound Art
- Animation
- Cinematography
- Script Writing
- Film Directing
- Film Actor
Tuition Program fees range from $1,240 to $1,550 for local students; international students pay $6,665 to $7,905 per year
It is a more academic centric institution when compared to other mentions in this list, while still providing students with adequate training and real-world exposure.
best film schools for directing
- American Film Institute (AFI)
- California Institute of the Arts.
- Chapman University.
- Columbia University.
- Emerson College.
- Loyola Marymount University.
- New York University (NYU)
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
hollywood reporter top film schools
Australian Film, Television and Radio School
This Sydney-based school benefits from a deep pool of industry lecturers and close ties with the Australian film community. Notable alumni include Black Widow director Cate Shortland and a slew of Oscar winners and nominees, including Jane Campion (The Piano), writer-director Chris Noonan (Babe) and David White (sound editing for Mad Max: Fury Road). The school has developed and implemented a “COVIDSafe Plan” that sets out a return to on-campus learning, with protocols being revised on a weekly basis in accordance with local public health circumstances and government advice.
Beijing Film Academy
The USC of the Middle Kingdom, China’s most prestigious film school offers its graduates a wealth of industry ties in what has become the world’s largest theatrical film market. BFA now has an undergraduate film production program taught in English, but foreign students remain unable to enter China because of strict immigration controls implemented to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Centro de Capacitacion Cinematografica
Founded in 1975, Mexico’s most prestigious film school counts as alums The Irishman cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto as well as Elisa Miller, the only Mexican woman to take home the short film Palme d’Or in Cannes, for 2007’s Watch It Rain. Last year, the CCC achieved gender parity, and it is holding workshops to reduce the environmental impact of its student filmmaking.
Centro Sperimentale De Cinematografia
Italy’s National School of Cinema offers a wide array of three-year courses across all film disciplines for anyone who speaks Italian (but with only six places per class). The past year has seen the school open up another branch, this time in the southern Basilicata region.
ECAM
The Madrid school this year bolstered its syllabus with a new master’s program in color and digital grading, bringing in professors including Hollywood colorist Walter Volpatto (Dunkirk, Star Wars: The Last Jedi). During 2021, the facility also launched the first ECAM Series Market, in which students from its TV scriptwriting master’s course present their final projects to Spanish industry professionals.
Filmakademie Wien
Austria’s leading film school just added another acclaimed filmmaker — 2021 Cannes Jury member Jessica Hausner (Little Joe) — to its impressive faculty, which already includes Oscar winner Michael Haneke. The Vienna-based school prides itself on helping would-be auteurs develop their own vision “in complete freedom and without economic restraints.”
Hochschule für Fernsehen
Munich’s storied academy is a one-stop shop for all things cinema, with degrees in directing, producing, cinematography, screenwriting and VFX. The school offers courses in English and German and is tuition-free for anyone who can get past its notoriously tough admissions board.
La Fémis
France’s state film school was among those celebrating Julia Ducournau’s Palme d’Or in Cannes in July. The Titane director — who graduated in scriptwriting from the Parisian college in 2008 — was one of 150 former students credited in films selected for the delayed 2021 festival, including Vincent Cardona, who shared the top prize in the Directors’ Fortnight category for his debut feature, Magnetic Beats.
Lodz Film School
The history of Polish cinema — from Andrzej Wajda and Roman Polanski through to the current generation, including Malgorzata Szumowska (Never Gonna Snow Again) and Jan Komasa (Corpus Christi) — was written at the Lodz Film School. Instruction is in Polish, but non-fluent students who pass the entrance exam can enroll in a yearlong Polish-language course before beginning their studies.
London Film School
Despite the pandemic, production hasn’t stopped at the U.K.’s oldest film school, which will celebrate its 65th birthday in October. Since March 2020, 58 graduate films have been made with only one shoot halting because of the lockdown. Among its recent alumni is Daina O. Pusic, who is developing her debut feature, Tuesday, with A24, lining up Julia Louis-Dreyfus to star.
National Film and Television School
The U.K.’s most renowned film and TV college celebrated its 50th anniversary this year with a new partnership with the Pinewood Group and an honorary fellowship bestowed to Sam Mendes at its in-person graduation ceremony. The school continued its noted Masterclass program with filmmakers including Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Russell T. Davies and Paul Greengrass.
National Film School of Denmark
Denmark’s premier film school racked up a pair of Oscars — for best international film and best sound editing, respectively — with wins by former alumni Thomas Vinterberg (Another Round) and Mikkel E.G. Nielsen (Sound of Metal). Nielsen gave a shoutout to the Copenhagen academy, which remains among the world’s best. International applicants take note: Danish fluency is a must, and the school charges a tuition fee of $30,000 for non-EU residents.
Prague Film School
An English-language film school in the heart of the country’s capital, Prague offers a cultural mix of European art house with an American indie approach to filmmaking. What sets the Czech school apart is its intimacy: A maximum of 100 students are accepted per year.
RTA School of Media at Ryerson University
RTA Ryerson will launch a dual Master of Arts and MBA program in the fall for business-minded students looking to become showrunners, tech entrepreneurs or broadcast executives. And a new program called “RTA in LA” offers students two weeks in Los Angeles for lectures and workshops with U.S. industry pros.
best online animation schools
Animators create the artwork, models, and visual effects (VFX) in film, television, and video games. As the demand for many traditional art and design occupations declines, new technologies and an ever-growing reliance on mobile devices has increased the need for new, talented animators.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 4% growth for animators between 2019 and 2029, which is on par with the average growth rate across all occupations. Most professionals complete a bachelor’s degree in animation to enter the field, but prospective animators can pursue various program and career pathways. To help aspiring professionals choose the right route, this page provides animation program information and career outlook.
1
Southern New Hampshire University
LocationManchester, NH
SNHU offers an online graphic design degree with a 3D modeling and animation concentration. Students learn to develop and design professional work while gaining the interdisciplinary skills needed to compete in this growing field.
The program’s core courses cover typography, advanced digital imaging, and desktop publishing. Additionally, animation concentration coursework covers designing wireframe 3D models, animating character functions, and rendering photorealistic effects.
SNHU accepts applications on a rolling basis year-round and does not require application fees or ACT or SAT scores. Incoming students can bring up to 90 transfer credits with them when they enroll.
SNHU is regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education.View School Profile2
George Mason University
LocationFairfax, VA
Based in Fairfax, Virginia, Mason offers a bachelor’s degree in art and visual technology with a concentration in new media art.
Alongside general education requirements, students in the program tackle an art and visual technology core that includes classes in digital design, figure drawing, and new media in the creative arts. The new media art concentration requires 12 credits in video art, live movies, and 3D experimental animation.
Applicants must submit high school transcripts, letters of recommendation, and standardized test scores. Prospective students also submit a personal essay and a list of extracurricular activities.
Mason is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.View School Profile3
Baker College
LocationOwosso, MI
Based in Flint, Michigan, Baker offers a fully online BS in game software development. Taught by instructors with professional experience in video game design, students gain the skills they need to launch their careers in a competitive field.
In addition to general education requirements, degree-seekers gain practical and widely applicable computer-based skills through classes like introduction to programming, Java programming, and computer operating systems and maintenance. Animation and design training includes courses in game development and artificial intelligence and a design capstone project.
The program requires 120 credits and takes four years to complete. Nearly 90% of admitted learners receive scholarships, financial aid, or grants.
Baker is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.View School Profile4
National University
LocationLa Jolla, CA
Located in San Diego, California, NU maintains a global network of 180,000 alumni and is the largest private nonprofit university in the San Diego area. The university offers an online bachelor’s in animation that teaches learners the latest developments in the field.
Degree-seekers tackle a variety of digital media classes. In addition to practical courses like digital project management and emerging technologies, students dive headfirst into animation courses, including 3D modeling for game art, video game design, and motion graphics. Before graduation, students complete a capstone multimedia arts portfolio project.
NU accepts applications year-round, with four-week classes starting monthly. Recognized as a Yellow Ribbon institution, NU offers tuition discounts to veterans and current service members.
NU is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission.View School Profile5
Wilmington University
LocationNew Castle, DE
Based in New Castle, Delaware, WilmU offers a BS in 3D animation. This accessible, 100% online bachelor’s in animation focuses on critical professional skills, including hand-drawn animation, 3D sculpting, and 3D animation.
The program’s curriculum consists of three parts: 39 credits of general education requirements, 63 credits of animation coursework, and 18 credits of electives. The animation core covers the history of animation, 3D modeling techniques, and fundamentals of motion graphics. Before graduation, students either complete a senior capstone project or an animation-related internship.
WilmU is regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.
top animation schools 2020
Ranking | School | Country |
---|---|---|
1 | Sheridan College | Canada |
2 | Gobelins | France |
3 | Rubika | France, Canada, India |
4 | Bournemouth University | England |
5 | Ecole Superieure des Metiers Artistiques (ESMA) | France |
6 | MoPA | France |
7 | Animation Workshop/VIA University College | Denmark |
8 | RMIT University | Australia |
9 | Media Design School | New Zealand |
10 | Griffith University | Australia |
11 | Emily Carr University of Art + Design | British Columbia |
12 | University of Technology Sydney | Australia |
13 | Royal College of Art | England |
14 | Teesside University | England |
15 | ArtFX | France |
16 | ChungKang College of Cultural Industries | South Korea |
17 | Image Campus | Argentina |
18 | Escape Studios | England |
19 | University of Hertfordshire | England |
20 | Frameboxx 2.0 | India |
21 | Beijing Film Academy | China |
22 | University of Melbourne | Australia |
23 | School of Digital Arts | Canada |
24 | Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design | Israel |
25 | University of the West of England | England |
Our 2020 rankings of the top international animation colleges in the world, excluding the US. For this ranking we only consider formal degree programs (bachelor’s degree or equivalent). For an explanation of our ranking criteria, click here.
Correction: Gobelins was mistakenly omitted from these rankings when we first published in early April. The school should have been ranked #2. We corrected the mistake on April 20, 2020. Prior to this date, schools currently ranked 3 through 25 would have been ranked one spot higher. We apologize for the error and any confusion it may have caused. 1. Sheridan College, Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Established in 1967, Sheridan College has grown from 400 students and a single campus to 43,000 students and three campuses. One of Canada’s premier polytechnic institutes and one of Ontario’s leading postsecondary institutions, Sheridan College is known as the “Harvard of Animation.”
Offered through the Faculty of Animation, Arts & Design, the schools Honors (Hons) Bachelor of Animation emphasizes classical principles of animation in a variety of forms, including 2D digital, 3D and stop motion. Students in the program gain professional experience during a mandatory three-month work placement, and at the school’s Annual Industry Day, students meet with employers from across North America. Graduates of the program go on to work in television and feature animation at major studios around the world.2. Gobelins, The School of Image, Paris, France
Founded in 1975, Gobelins, The School of Image, offers Photography, Animated Filmmaking, 3D Animation, Motion Design, and Video Gaming programs. The school’s offerings cater to needs of professionals, businesses, international students, other schools, festivals and even cultural services of embassies. Program options for animators include a BA in Animated Filmmaking (four years, full-time), an MA in Character Animation and Animated Filmmaking (two years, full-time) and one-year Diplomas in 3D Character Animation and Motion Design. The Character Animation Program includes a two-month internship with a studio, in France or abroad. Gobelins alumni have landed positions at studios such as DreamWorks Animation, and have worked on productions such as Despicable Me, Shark Tale, and A Monster in Paris.3. Rubika, Valenciennes France, Montreal Canada, and Pune India
Since 1988, Rubika has been producing “high-level creatives” that go on to successful careers in the Animation and Digital Visual Effects (VFX) industries. The school serves more than 1,200 students annually across four campuses in Valenciennes (France), Montreal (Canada), Pune (India) and Nairobi (Kenya).
With a 90% employment rate within a year, Rubika offers a Bachelor of Animation with specializations in 3D Animation and FX/VFX Special Effects. The program consists of five Intensives, including Video, Motion Design, Character Creation, Stop Motion, and BD Project, along with five years of apprenticeship leading to the production of a short animated film. The short films of Supinfocom are recognized by industry professionals around the world, including prestigious animation festivals such as MIFA Annecy, SIGGRAPH, ITFS Stuttgart, and many others.4. Bournemouth University, Poole, England
Bournemouth University (BU) has been in existence since 1992. Though young, the school serves more than 19,000 students and ranks among the top 200 young universities in the world. Home to the prestigious National Centre for Computer Animation (NCCA), BU offers a BA (Hons) in Computer Animation Art and Design, and a BA (Hons) in Computer Animation Technical Arts. Per the school, the Computer Animation Art and Design program “combines traditional art disciplines like life drawing and cinematography with more technically focused disciplines to produce computer animation using industry-standard tools and software.”
Computer Technical Arts is a “50/50 mix of art and science, reflecting practice relevant to the production of computer graphics and animation for a range of industries and applications.” Graduates of the programs enjoy a 93.6% employment rate (or further study) within six months of graduation and many have worked on films such as Blade Runner 2049, The Avengers, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Dunkirk, and many others.5. Ecole Superieure des Metiers Artistiques (ESMA) Montpellier, Montpellier, France
Graduates of the CG Animation & FX Program at Ecole Superieure des Metiers Artistiques (ESMA) Montpellier enjoy a 100% employment rate within just nine months after graduation. The program, which leads to a master’s degree, focuses on “both artistic and technical knowledge,” says the school, while teaching students to master 3D software used by animation studios, production companies, and video game firms. In addition to the Montpellier campus, the four-year CG Animation & FX Program is offered at the Lyon, Montreal, Nantes, and Toulouse, France campuses.
For students who aren’t quite ready for a master’s program, ESMA offers a Certificate of Collegial Studies (CCS/ACS/AEC) in 3D Animated Cinema and Visual Effects. Launched in September 2018, the program is offered at the Montreal, France campus.6. MoPA, Arles, France
MoPA, the Computer Graphics Animation School, began as Supinfocom Arles in 1988. Since then, the school has trained hundreds of “top-level professionals” who are now working in all major international studios. MoPA offers a five-year Advanced Diploma as CG filmmaker, Certified Level 1, by the National Committee for Professional Certification (Level 7 Europe). This is the equivalent of a master’s degree. Throughout this upper-level program, students will work on the same equipment and software used in professional studios. A render farm and 200 computers loaded with 3DS Max, Nuke, Substance Painter, Houdini, and more are available. In the final year of the program, students will produce an animated short film, which is presented to a jury made up of industry professionals.7. Animation Workshop/VIA University College, Viborg, Denmark
VIA University College is home to the School of Business, Technology and Creative Industries, which houses The Animation Workshop (TAW). Founded in 1988, TAW consists of seven departments, 650 students, staff and professionals, and the biggest animation festival in Denmark—Viborg Animation Festival (VAF). The program, which leads to a BA in Animation, has an optional specialization in Computer Graphic Arts. Students in the program have access to an Animated Learning Lab, Visual Talent Center, Business Development, and internship opportunities. Students also have opportunities to learn and network via Arsenalet—a creative business cluster of more than 30 companies, freelancers and start-ups in the animation, new media and the games industry.
In addition to the BA, the Animation Workshop offers a four-year Bachelor in Graphic Storytelling. Launched in 2013, the program celebrated its first graduating class in the summer of 2017.8. RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia
Serving nearly 87,000 students, RMIT University is Australia’s largest university. Established in 1887, this global university of technology, design and enterprise offers programs of study across 17 schools in three academic colleges. The College of Design and Social Context (DSC) consists of seven schools, including the School of Design, which offers a Bachelor of Design in Animation and Interactive Media and a Master of Animation, Games, and Interactivity. Program highlights include courses taught by practicing artist, designer, and industry practitioners, multi-disciplined design study, access to brand new animation and game design studios, and industry partnerships with ANZ, the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), the Australian Centre for The Moving Image (ACMI) and the Australia Post. Students also have the opportunity to exhibit in festivals and conferences such as Siggraph, MIAF, LIAF, MILIA and Annecy. Graduates of the programs have landed positions at Viskatoons, Iloura, and many others.9. Media Design School, Auckland, New Zealand
Media Design School is a member of Laureate International Universities—a network of more than 25 higher education institutions serving more than 875,000 students. The school offers degrees in AI, Cloud Computing, 3D Animation and Visual Effects, Interactive Design, Motion Graphics, Game Art, Game Programming, Graphic Design, and Creative Advertising. The 3D Animation and Visual Effects program, which leads to a Bachelor of Art and Design, prepares students for career paths such as Animator, 3D Modeler, Compositor, VFX Artist, Effects Designer, Technical Director, and many others. Graduates of the programs have gone on to win short film awards, land positions at major studios, and work on blockbuster films such as Avatar and The Hobbit.10. Griffith University, Queensland, Australia
Founded in 1971, Griffith University (Griffith U) serves around 50,000 students across six campuses in South East Queensland, Australia. Housed within Griffith U is one of Australia’s longest-running art and design colleges-Queensland College of Art (QCA). Here, students can earn a Bachelor of Animation (240 credit points) or a Bachelor of Animation (Hons), consisting of 80 credit points. The Bachelor of Animation offers majors in Character Animating, Art Direction, and Technical Direction. Students in this program will have the opportunity to work alongside film and screen media production and game design students to collaborate on and complete projects. The program takes three years to complete, full-time. The Honors program is designed for exceptional visual arts students looking to further develop their practical expertise and theoretical understanding to a more advanced level.
The program takes one year, full-time or two years, part-time to complete and classes are primarily on-campus, with some mixed-mode online delivery and off-campus work placements or internships.11. Emily Carr University of Art + Design, Vancouver, British Columbia
Emily Carr University of Art and Design (ECU) is one of Canada’s top Art and Design universities. Serving nearly 2,000 students, ECU has four distinct faculties including the Faculty of Culture + Community, Ian Gillespie Faculty of Design + Dynamic Media, Jake Kerr Faculty of Graduate Studies, and Audain Faculty of Art. Ian Gillespie Faculty of Design + Dynamic Media offers Bachelor of Media Arts degrees in 2D & Experimental Animation and 3D Computer Animation. Students in both programs engage in in-depth study of animation principles, design, character development, story and production techniques that expose them to every aspect of animation production. Students will create several major film projects that will help prepare them for employment in various animation, visual effects, and cultural industries.12. University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
Serving nearly 46,200 students, including 15,450 international students, University of Technology Sydney (UTS) is Sydney’s largest technology university. Established in 1988, the school offers hundreds of programs through nine faculties and schools, including The Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building. Here, students can earn a Bachelor of Design in Animation, Bachelor of Design in Animation (Hons), or a Master of Animation and Visualization. All programs consist of animation studio courses, elective options, and internship opportunities. The UTS Master of Animation and Visualization was developed in partnership with Animal Logic, and is offered through the UTS Animal Logic Academy. Career options for graduates include Animator, Director, Modeler, Rigger, VFX Artist, Scriptwriter, Concept Artist, Producer, Character Designer, Editor, Storyboard Artist, Compositor, and Producer.13. Royal College of Art, London, England
In existence since 1837, London’s Royal College of Art (RCA) consists of four schools serving more than 2,000 students across three sites in Kensington, Battersea, and White City. The School of Communication has been teaching animation for more than 30 years. The school offers an MA in Animation with three specialist pathways: Documentary Animation, Experimental Animation, and Narrative Animation. The program consists of 240 UK credits and it takes two-years to complete, full-time. Program highlights include workshops, multi-disciplinary electives, visiting artists and professionals, and experiential learning opportunities such as field trips to animation studios, exhibitions, museums, and archives. At the end of the program, students will present a final Graduation Project (animated film) to the Examination Board.14. Teesside University, Middlesbrough, England
Founded as Constantine Technical College in 1930, Teesside University serves around 18,400 students enrolled in dozens of programs through five schools. The School of Computing, Engineering & Digital Technologies offers a number of undergraduate programs for aspiring animators including the BA (Hons) in 2D Animation and Stop Motion, Computer Animation, Computer Character Animation, and Visual Effects. At postgraduate level, an MComp (Hons) in VFX is available. Students in all programs have access to dedicated life drawing spaces, recording and motion-capture studios, and a fully equipped soundstage including green screen facilities and motion-control cameras. Other program highlights include access to industry recruiters that routinely visit the Teesside campus, speakers from Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks and Industrial Light & Magic, and the opportunity to participate in Animex, the UK’s largest animation festival, which takes place on campus.15. ArtFX, Montpellier, Lille, Paris, France
In 2004, professionals from the film, animation, video game and visual effects industries created ArtFX, School of Digital Arts. With around 470 students, 70 graduates annually, and 510 alumni working abroad, ArtFX is one of the few European schools that specializes in both filming techniques and compositing. Degree pathways include a Bachelor of 2D Animation or Stop-Motion, and a Master of 3D Animation, CGI & Visual Effects or Video Games. A Professional Certificate in Programming for Video Games & VFX are also available. The Bachelor’s degree programs take three years to complete and the Master’s programs take five years. All programs include workshops, internships, presentation in front of a jury of professional artists, meetings with professional artists, and completion of a short 2D or Stop Motion animated film. Master’s program students will also create a demo reel, and develop and direct a short animated film. 16. ChungKang College of Cultural Industries, School of Animation, Icheon, South Korea
The School of Animation at ChungKang College of Cultural Industries serves around 180 students enrolled in a three-year program leading to a bachelor’s degree, and a one-year intensive program, also leading to a bachelor’s degree. The three-year program is designed for students with no prior college experience. The program’s project based curriculum encompasses “all aspects of animation, including planning, directing, production, and post-production,” says the school. Designed for students who have already completed three years of college coursework, the one-year program consists of multidisciplinary subjects in cartoons, animation, and games. The program culminates in a presentation of a project—the BA thesis.
Students in both programs have access to a computer lab, tutoring program and excellent facilities, including the largest animation studio in Korea, a render farm, and a sound recording studio.17. Image Campus, Buenos, Aires
Image Campus offers vocational programs that were developed in collaboration with leading companies, creative professionals, and the audiovisual industries. The schools says that the programs “are the most recognized in the areas of Design, Animation 2D and 3D, Video Games, Robotics, Programming and Development.” Image Campus offers four- to nine-month Digital 2D, Professional 3D, Manga and Advanced Manga Workshops and three-year Video Art and Animation and Production and Animation 3D programs. Students in the three-year programs will graduate with work experience gained through a professional internship and a demo reel. All students will leave the Image Campus with a professional portfolio.
A Certificate of Approval is awarded upon completion of the shorter programs and a post-secondary degree is awarded upon completion of the three-year programs. Graduates are prepared to seek positions such as Animator, Rigger, Modeler, Simulation Creator, Post-Production VFX, and many others.18. Escape Studios/Pearson College London, Holborn, London
Escape Studios is part of Pearson College London, which is part of Pearson plc—the only FTSE 100 company in the UK to design and deliver degrees. The Studio, which has more than 4,000 alumni, offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and short programs in Animation, Game Art, Motion Graphics, and Visual Effects. Courses for all programs are designed by industry partners such as MPC, Cinesite, Framestore, The Mill, Jellyfish, Milk and BlueBolt, to name just a few. Degree options for aspiring animators include a BA/MArt in The Art of Computer Animation (Integrated Masters), and an MA in 3D Animation.
The school also offers 17 short programs ranging from four weeks to 18 weeks. Just a few options include Animation Technical Direction with Maya and Houdini, 2D Animation with Toon Boom Harmony, 2D Character Design and Animation Production. Graduates (known as Escapees) have gone on to work on projects such as The Jungle Book, Thor: Ragnarok, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Ex Machina, The Revenant, Interstellar, Gravity, Harry Potter, and many others.19. University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield – Hertfordshire, UK
University of Hertfordshire (UH) dates back to 1952, when the school was known as Hatfield Technical College. When it began, the school served 1,738 students. Today, UH serves more than 25,000 students. A large number of students are enrolled in the School of Creative Arts, which offers a BA (Hons) in 3D Computer Animation and Modeling. The program helps students develop their “creative curiosity by putting the latest technology at (their) fingertips,” says the school. This includes 3D printers, a motion capture studio, a construction and carving workshop, jewelry benches, sound control rooms, darkrooms and post-production suites. Other program highlights include courses led by “talented artists, experienced lecturers, and industry experts,” hands-on experience, live projects and collaborations, and access to an “extensive network of industry contacts and graduates.” University of Hertfordshire graduates enjoy an excellent 96.5% employment rate.20. Frameboxx 2.0, Andheri, Mumbai, India
Established in 2008, Framebox 2.0 is the only national training studio owned and run by Industry professionals. This animation and visual effects school offers a skill-based curriculum to help students launch a career in Animation, VFX, Game Asset Design, Photography, Graphic Design, Web Design & Development, Multimedia, Broadcast Design, Filmmaking and other related creative and technical careers.
Frameboxx students learn to make films, animate, and design in a user-friendly working environment, where they have the opportunity to work on live projects. Students have worked on Hollywood and Bollywood feature film projects in studios such as DNEG, Technicolor, Prime Focus, Framestore, Pixel Digital Studios, Rockstar, Red Chillies VFX, Weta Digital, Accenture, Dreamworks, Legend, Makuta Visual Effects, MPC, Viacom 18 , Golden Robot, NY VFXWAALA, Tata Elxsi, Deluxe, Tau Films, Vistaprint, Bubble Creations, After, Labyrinth, and philmCGI to name a few.
The Animation programs at Frameboxx lead to a B.Sc. in Animation & Multimedia or Animation & VFX.
best public colleges for animation
The following list focuses on the most affordable bachelor’s degrees in animation for students considering this exciting career path. Animation is a multidisciplinary field that involves criminology, computers and technology, mathematics, psychology, art, and graphic design. In particular, animation and graphic design are two areas that are gaining in popularity across the country, leading more students to pursue bachelor’s programs in this industry. Whether you are only considering working in animation or you have a specific career path in mind, keep reading for our ranking of the 15 most affordable bachelor’s degrees in animation.
5. Ball State University – BA/BFA/BS in Animation
Muncie, Indiana
Points: 6
Program Website
Ball State University’s affordable bachelor’s degree in visual arts and animation provides a comprehensive digital animation experience that explores character design, storyboarding traditional 2D animation, stop-motion, and 3D animation as well as visual effects, character animation, lighting, texturing, and modeling. This nationally ranked inexpensive bachelor’s degree program teaches up-to-date animation techniques, and students learn how to use industry-standard animation software. The curriculum leads students through a foundation of classic arts courses before moving into a strong technical core, and students have numerous opportunities to participate in collaborative, hands-on projects with faculty and students in other courses of study. Undergraduates must also complete a senior project prior to graduating.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Animation
Bachelor of Science in Animation
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation
Average Program Cost: $18,182
In-State Tuition: $9,896
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,468
Graduation Rate: 62 percent
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
4. Sam Houston State University – BFA in Computer Animation
Huntsville, Texas
Points: 6
Program Website
Students may pursue an affordable Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) in Computer Animation from Sam Houston State University and gain training in the techniques and principles used to create animated imagery for:
- the Internet
- film and video
- games
This low cost degree program consists of:
- a core curriculum
- art department foundation courses
- art department core classes
- 45 credits in computer animation.
To earn the inexpensive BFA in Computer Animation degree, majors complete 120-credit hours of coursework in:
- painting
- life drawing
- ceramics
- art history
Students will also take animation-specific classes in:
- website development
- experimental animation
- character animation
- advanced 3D computer animation
- 2D interactive animation
- a capstone-like animation portfolio.
Degree Options:
BFA in Computer Animation
Average Program Cost: $16,408
In-State Tuition: $10,183
Out-of-State Tuition: $22,633
Graduation Rate: 51 percent
Student/Faculty Ratio: 23:1
3. Alfred State College of Technology – BS in Digital Media and Animation
Alfred, New York
Points: 6
Program Website
Alfred State College of Technology offers an affordable Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Digital Media and Animation to students looking to pursue careers in:
- fine art
- media design
- digital imaging
- interactive media
- animation
This low cost bachelor’s degree program provides students with a broad range of problem-solving, creative, and technical skills for careers in animation and new media. At the core of the program is a sequence of classes that enhance individual artistic creativity. At the same time the classes provide instruction in industry-standard computer graphics software and the traditional arts. Students complete coursework in:
- 3D design and color
- 3D animation
- visual effects
- visual communication
- digital foundations
- interactive design
Other requirements include a portfolio and a senior studio project.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Digital Media and Animation (DGMA)
Average Program Cost: $9,862
In-State Tuition: $8,327
Out-of-State Tuition: $11,397
Graduation Rate: 37 percent
Student/Faculty Ratio: 18:1
2. University of Arkansas, Fort Smith – BS in Animation Technology
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Points: 6
Program Website
The affordable BS in Animation Technology at the University of Arkansas, Fort Smith prepares students to be managers and practitioners in a wide variety of computer graphics-related jobs. It’s designed for students who have already completed an Associate of Applied Technology or an Associate of Applied Science program. These students will have 44 hours of technical professional coursework in computer graphics technology. To graduate, students of this program must complete 120 credit hours of animation coursework. Students may tailor their degree with electives. Classes are available in:
- science and medical applications
- motion for applied animation
- manufacturing and robotics applications
- lighting and rendering
- engineering and architecture applications
- digital production techniques
- 3D advanced concepts
A senior capstone project is also required.
Degree Options:
Bachelor of Science in Animation Technology
Average Program Cost: $9,114
In-State Tuition: $5,577
Out-of-State Tuition: $12,650
Graduation Rate: 30 percent
Student/Faculty Ratio: 18:1
1. University of Hawaii at Manoa – BA in Creative Media
Honolulu, Hawaii
Points: 7
Program Website
The Academy for Creative Media (ACM) at the University of Hawaii at Manoa emphasizes:
- storytelling applications
- theories
- skills
These run across multiple platforms of digital media and within a context of aesthetic and cultural values. Our most affordable school offers a 120-hour Bachelor of Arts in Creative Media. Students may choose from three tracks:
- critical studies
- digital cinema
- animation
Specifically, the animation concentration provides unique opportunities in:
- character animation, including video game design
- 3D computer graphics
- digital paperless animation
- traditional hand-drawn techniques
Other courses may include:
- drawing for animation
- computer animation production
- 3D cinematography and dynamics
- screenwriting
- genre and narrative theory
- 3D character animation
An independent group project and a creative media internship are also required.
Degree Options:
B.A. in Creative Media
Average Program Cost: $22,986
In-State Tuition: $11,970
Out-of-State Tuition: $34,002
Graduation Rate: 60 percent
Student/Faculty Ratio: 10:1